Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee hosted by Fort Scott Public Library On April 23

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Join us for Chamber Coffee

hosted by

Fort Scott Public Library
Thursday, April 23rd

 

8am

Fort Scott Public Library
201 S. National Ave.

We hope to see you there!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to attend a Chamber Coffee on Thursday, April 23, at 8 a.m., hosted by the Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National. The coffee will take place downstairs in the events room. Please enter through the north entrance. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served, and attendees will have the opportunity to win a door prize.

This special gathering takes place during National Library Week (April 19–25, 2026), a nationwide celebration sponsored by the American Library Association that highlights the vital role libraries play in our communities. This year’s theme, “Find Your Joy,” encourages everyone to explore all the library has to offer.

The Fort Scott Public Library has proudly served the community since 1891, growing from its beginnings in Eugene Ware’s office into a cornerstone resource for Fort Scott and the surrounding area. Today, the library continues to evolve as a modern information hub, recently completing a new adult learning area while expanding spaces for children, teens, makers, and a “Library of Things.”

In addition to its updated spaces, the library offers a wide range of services including free digital platforms like Kanopy, Hoopla, Libby, and CloudLibrary, along with programs such as Story Time, Golden Aces, Book Clubs, and Summer Reading for all ages. Community members are encouraged to stop in, reconnect with the library, and explore everything it has to offer.

For more information, contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 or visit the Events Calendar at fortscott.com and click on the “Chamber Coffees” category for upcoming hosts and locations.

Click HERE to visit

Fort Scott Public Library

Facebook Page!

Click HERE to visit

Fort Scott Public Library

website!

Fort Scott Carnegie Library postcard, circa 1908.

Fort Scott Public Library, 2025

Historical Timeline:

  • 1883-The Library Association was founded in Fort Scott.
  • 1891- Eugene Ware established the Ware Public Library in Fort Scott. Mr. Ware uses the front of his law office as the library space. It was located at 113 Market Street, Fort Scott, where it stayed until the fall of 1892. The annual membership cost for the library was $4.
  • 1893- The Ware Public Library opens at the Redfield Building on Wall St.
  • 1894- Ware donated his library collection to the City of Fort Scott, and the citizens voted to establish a free Fort Scott Public Library to be maintained by the taxpayers. The new library board votes to stay in the Redfield building at a monthly rent of $25. Mary Barlow made the first librarian of the Fort Scott Public Library.
  • 1901- Andrew Carnegie donated $18,000 for the construction of a library building.
  • 1902- Fort Scott Public Library construction starts. The building is designed in the Second Renaissance Revival style.
  • 1904- The library is opened sometime in February.
  • 1911- Hitching posts removed from the front of the library.
  • 1918- The Library sent over 700 books, short stories, and boxes to the troops at the front during WWI.
  • 1923- Mary Barlow retires from the Fort Scott Library after 32 years. She had also been the librarian for the Ware Public Library.
  • 1936- A Children’s area was made in the library
  • 1942- The library donated 1,137 books to the Victory Book Campaign during WWII.
  • 1965- The library joins the Southeast Kansas Library System. This provides the library with access to interlibrary loans and rotating collections.
  • 1973- The library was deeded to the city of Fort Scott.
  • 1987- The library is placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the Kansas State Historical Society as a historic Carnegie Library.
  • 1990- The Library card catalog is put on a computer.
  • 2013- Fort Scott Public Library joined the SEKnFind consortium, a group of 52 Southeast Kansas libraries. This gives access to the catalogs and collections of all these libraries, expanding services to patrons.
  • 2014- Fort Scott Public Library joined the Sunflower/Libby eLibrary consortium, giving our patrons access to eBooks and audiobooks.
  • 2016- The library temporarily moved into the old City Hall offices in Memorial Hall, so that the library building could undergo a major renovation.
  • 2017- In April, the library reopened in the newly remodeled original Carnegie Building, giving longevity to the building, ensuring it will be there for future generations.
  • 2025- The library has a newly redesigned library website to serve our patrons better online. The library was also rearranged to accommodate new services and the relocation of the children’s room and computers.
A special thank you to our Chamber Champion members below…
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-223-3566

fortscott.com
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Fort Scott Community College

State of FSCC Luncheon – May 21st

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You’re invited to attend the State of FSCC on May 21 at 12:00 p.m. in the Ellis Fine Arts Building.

This is a great opportunity for our community to hear important updates on the college’s progress, priorities, and future direction. We encourage all faculty and staff to attend and be part of the conversation as we continue moving FSCC forward.

Lunch will be provided, and we hope you’ll take this time to connect, stay informed, and show your support for our students and institution.

Please RSVP using the link below.

https://forms.gle/z5ccXuBsdFdGzHxT6

We look forward to seeing you there!

 

Government

U.S. Congressman Derek Schmidt Newsletter

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Rep. Derek Schmidt's header image

 

 

As we move beyond this year’s tax filing deadline, new data shows that millions of Americans are benefiting from President Trump’s tax relief measures.

 

According to the White House, more than 30 million senior citizens claimed a special deduction, averaging over $7,500 per household.

 

In total, over 53 million Americans (45% of all filers) have taken advantage of at least one of the new tax cuts introduced under Donald Trump. About six million filers used the “No Tax on Tips” provision, while more than 25 million claimed the “No Tax on Overtime” provision, averaging around $3,100 in deductions.
Did you benefit from the new tax deductions for seniors, tips or overtime?
 Yes
No
Taking this survey will sign you up for future news and updates from our office.

Sincerely,

Rep. Derek Schmidt

Member of Congress

Washington D.C. Office
1223 Longworth

House Office Building

Washington, DC 20515

Topeka Office

3550 SW 5th St.

Suite B

Topeka, KS 66606

Pittsburg Office

402 North Broadway St.

Suite B

Pittsburg, KS  66762

Bourbon County

Kansans Encouraged to Contact 811 Before Digging  

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Don’t Dig Until You Do This: The Essential Step for Safe Home Improvement Project

As the weather warms up, Kansans are eager to get started on their home improvement and gardening projects. But before the first shovel goes in the ground, there is an important step that every do-it-yourselfer must take.

Contact 811 or submit a request online through Kansas 811 at kansas811.com before you begin any excavation project. This free service is essential for projects big or small, from installing a mailbox to building a deck.

Why is this necessary?

You know your property, so why does someone else need to be contacted? Underground utilities, including natural gas lines, can vary in location and depth. Even if you think you know where those lines are, contacting 811 is an important first step to prevent damage and keep you and your community safe.

 

When you dig without contacting 811, you risk hitting a natural gas line, which can cause:

  • Injuries or death
  • Damage to underground lines
  • Service disruptions for you and your neighbors
  • Financial penalties
  • Costly delays to your project

 

By contacting 811 or submitting a request at kansas811.com, professional locators will mark all of the underground facilities within the designated project area with flags and/or paint at no cost to the home or business owner. Once the project is marked, be aware of the tolerance zone: a minimum of 24 inches. Hand or soft dig techniques should be used within this area.

 

Take the Safe Digging Pledge!

Kansas residents can prioritize safety by taking the 2026 Safe Digging Pledge at beadigherokansas.com and recognizing the importance of contacting 811 before their shovels or excavating equipment hits the ground, regardless of the size of the digging project. By pledging to always contact 811 before digging, participants will be entered for a chance to win an $811 gift card.

Contacting 811 before you dig is a simple step that helps keep projects on track and communities safe. Learn more about safe digging and take the pledge at beadigherokansas.com for your chance to win an $811 gift card.

Digital Toolkit:

Access b-roll, Safe Digging Month flyer and graphics here.

 

 

About Kansas Gas Service

 

Kansas Gas Service provides a reliable and affordable energy choice to more than 653,000 customers in Kansas and is the largest natural gas distributor in the state in terms of customers. Headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas Gas Service is a division of ONE Gas, Inc. (NYSE: OGS), a 100-percent regulated natural gas utility that trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “OGS.” ONE Gas is included in the S&P MidCap 400 Index and is one of the largest natural gas utilities in the United States.

 

For more information and the latest news about Kansas Gas Service, visit kansasgasservice.com and follow our social channels: @KansasGas, Facebook, LinkedIn.

https://www.linkedin.com/company/kansas-gas-service

 

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Government, Kansas

KS Works To Improve High-Speed Internet Infrastructure

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Office of Broadband Announces $16.3 Million in New Grant Funding

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced $16.3 million is available to improve broadband infrastructure through the Broadband Acceleration Grant (BAG) program. The program is designed to offset high costs that are required for building networks in places where distance and low population density make private investment difficult to attain.

“High-speed internet is an industry standard and should be available for use on a daily basis by individuals and businesses alike,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The BAG program supports the prosperous future we’re building for all Kansas residents which includes having reliable and affordable access to broadband infrastructure, regardless of zip code.”

In its sixth year, through the bipartisan Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE), the Broadband Acceleration Grant program aims to provide high-quality, reliable broadband access throughout the state, prioritizing unserved areas, economically distressed communities and areas of compelling need.

“Broadband directly affects every industry and every person — and that’s why KDOT is an essential partner of this grant program and why we are committed to bringing broadband access to all of Kansas,” Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed said. “Working together, across agencies, we share the sentiment that this program is working to help our local leaders overcome challenges and make important infrastructure improvements that benefit communities and the state.”

Since the program was launched, Kansas has invested $31.3 million in broadband grants to communities and businesses across the state. Over the last five years, high-speed internet has been delivered to more than 12,000 homes and businesses in 37 counties. The effort leverages an additional $38 million in matching funds.

“The BAG program is more than just another grant opportunity — these grants are investments in people and places,” Director of Broadband Development Bill Abston said. “Strong infrastructure in Kansas — and specifically rural parts — help us remain a viable, competitive and connected place for new families and businesses — today and for future generations.”

The grant application period will begin at 3:00 p.m. Monday, April 27, and remain open until 5:00 p.m. Friday, June 12. To apply for the Broadband Acceleration Grant program, click here.

The Office of Broadband Development will host a kickoff webinar at 1:00 p.m. Monday, April 27. To register, click here.

About the Kansas Office of Broadband Development:

Established in 2020 by Governor Laura Kelly through Executive Order, the Kansas Office of Broadband Development (KOBD) is committed to ensuring all Kansans have the opportunity to live, work, learn and compete in a digital economy. KOBD accomplishes this by administering state and federal funding to support critical broadband infrastructure and expand access to high-speed internet. These efforts help enhance workforce readiness, education, digital opportunities and economic development across the state.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

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Bourbon County Local News